Visitor information

Overview

Afan Forest Park lies just a few miles from Port Talbot within easy access of the M4.

The forest park nestles on the slopes of the Afan Valley which is one of the narrowest and most beautiful valleys in Wales.

A valley with an industrial past

The Afan Valley is rich in history. From early monastic estates, the landscape developed into a farming area and later a coal mining valley.

The last mine closed in 1970 and the area was designated as a forest park in 1972 because of its great walking potential.

Nowadays, waymarked trails criss-cross the valleys and hillsides through the forest, passing by abandoned mines, former tramways and disused railways.

Exploring Afan Forest Park

You can explore Afan Forest Park by following forest tracks and roads on foot or by bicycle.

Natural Resources Wales manages a number of waymarked walking trails which start from Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre (see below) and from the car park at Rhyslyn.

Afan Forest Park is the fastest-growing mountain bike area in Britain. Natural Resources Wales manages a range of mountain bike trails that are suitable for everyone from beginners to expert mountain riders.

There is a network of bridleways in Afan Forest Park, some of which you need a permit to access. Please contact us to find out more about horse riding in Afan Forest Park or to apply for a permit.

Walking trails

All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre.

Old Parish Road Walk

One and a quarter miles, 2 kilometres

The Old Parish Road Walk follows part of the ancient trackway that was the main means of transport in the valley until it fell into disuse in 1920. There are seats and tables along the way to enjoy the views. The walk returns to the visitor centre on the former railway line (which is now part of the Afan Valley Cycleway/Sustrans Route 887).

River and Railway Walk

3 miles, 4.8 kilometres

The River and Railway Walk descends into the valley and crosses the River Afan before climbing steeply to the old railway line. It passes a sealed railway tunnel entrance, which was designed and built by Brunel, and then returns to the visitor centre via a picnic area by the river.

Gyfylchi Ridgetop Trail

6 miles, 9.5 kilometres

The Gyfylchi Ridgetop Trail crosses the River Afan and climbs through woodlands to the hilltop. This is 1000 feet above sea level and there are panoramic views of the valley. The trail then goes past two sets of ruins – Nant y Bar Farm and the 18th century Gyfylchi Chapel, once a shrine to Welsh Methodism – before it descends to the car park.

Mountain bike trails

There is a huge range of mountain bike trails in Afan Forest Park ranging from a family cycleway to black-graded (severe) trails for experienced riders.

All of the mountain biking trails are waymarked.

There is also a family skills area and the Afan Bike Park, an extreme graded bike park for more advanced riders to improve their skills.